As we enter the warmer months, you’re probably wondering about the optimal temperature to set your AC. Finding the right balance between comfort and energy efficiency is crucial as you wouldn’t want your utility bills to go up. In this post, we share tips on figuring out the ideal temperature for your AC.
According to the Department of Energy, 78 degrees is the optimal temperature when a home is occupied. However, the ideal setting varies from one household to another since this is based on personal comfort levels, the specific conditions of your home, and your goal when it comes to energy savings.
Every home is unique, with varying levels of insulation, sunlight exposure, and windows that can affect indoor temperatures. A recommended starting point is to set your AC at 78 degrees when you are at home. If this setting feels too warm, reduce the temperature gradually, by 1 or 2 degrees, until you find your comfort zone. Furthermore, consider how the temperature interacts with humidity levels in your home. If you go too low, it could cause problems that will significantly affect your comfort.
When you’re not at home, adjusting your thermostat settings can contribute to energy savings. Raising the temperature setting by 7-10 degrees for the hours you’re away can save you up to 10% on your cooling bill, according to ENERGY STAR® recommendations. Programmable or smart thermostats offer a convenient way to adjust settings automatically based on your schedule, preventing unnecessary cooling and optimizing energy use.
At night, the recommended bedroom temperature is between 60 and 67 degrees. Using your AC’s programmable settings to lower the temperature during sleeping hours can help you achieve a comfortable sleeping environment.
Besides thermostat adjustments, the following strategies can also help you enhance cooling efficiency:
Use Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans can make a room feel cooler without lowering the thermostat setting. This perceived decrease in temperature allows you to set the thermostat higher, saving energy.
Optimize Natural Ventilation: On cooler nights, turn off the AC and open windows to let in fresh, cool air. Remember to close the windows as the day warms up to trap the cooler air inside.
Block Out Sunlight: Utilize curtains, blinds, or shades to block direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. This will reduce heat gain and the workload on your AC.
Regularly maintain your AC to ensure it operates at peak efficiency. Clean or replace air filters monthly, check the system’s refrigerant levels, and schedule annual professional check-ups to maintain performance and prevent costly repairs.
Three Rivers Heating and Cooling is committed to providing high-quality HVAC services. We tailor our solutions to your specific needs so you can maximize the benefits of your system. Call us at (503) 739-5400 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
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